Nahatlatch Park
About this Park
Nahatlatch Park is characterized by scenic mountain peaks and glaciers, old growth forests, and a unique lake and river system.
This park protects one of the largest intact wetlands remaining in the Lower Mainland. A series of small streams flow into, out of, and between the three lakes in the park named Frances, Hannah, and Nahatlatch. Their waters drain into the Nahatlatch River, which is 20 km upstream from its confluence with the Fraser.
The powerful Nahatlatch River features a spectacular series of rapids, ideal for river rafting and kayaking. Those seeking a more tranquil experience will enjoy canoeing around and between the placid lakes, swimming in the backwater pools, and fishing along the lakeshores. Other activities for summer recreationists include backcountry hiking, and bird and wildlife viewing, and camping in a rustic setting.
Safety information
- Access to this park is via an active logging road, which is usually busy Monday through Friday. Sections of this road are narrow, hilly, rough, and can be very dusty. Please drive carefully.
- Caution is advised when canoeing or kayaking the river.
- Water is available from the lakes and various creeks in the area. All water should be treated or boiled before consuming.
Special notes
- This park is cooperatively managed by a community, society or other partner. Services and facilities may differ from those offered in other BC Parks.
- ATVs are not allowed in the park.
Location notes
From the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), turn west on Boston Bar Station Road, where a big sign directs traffic to North Bend.
Turn right on Chaumox Road and cross the bridge to the west side of the Fraser River, and stay on Chaumox Road. Chaumox Road turns into Nahatlatch Forest Service Road about 10.5 km out of North Bend.
The park entrance is located on Nahatlatch Road approximately 26.5 km northwest of Boston Bar. It is identified with a park information shelter.
To Nahatlatch, zeroed from the intersection of Chaumox Road and North Bend Station Road:
0 kmChaumox Road at North Bend Station Road9.2 kmRoad junction, keep left (park’s directional sign)10.6 kmRoad junction, keep right (park’s directional sign); road turns into Nahatlatch Forest Service Road13 kmRoad to the right to private property and river access; stay on the main road.15 kmCross 4 Barrel Mainline Road (to REO Rafting Resort) and Keefers Road, then keep left at the fork.23.7 kmRoad junction, keep left (Kookpi Creek Forest Service Road)24.1 kmContinue Straight. (Log Creek Bridge and Forest Service Campsite, Log Creek Forest Service Road.)25.6 kmFrances Lake Campsite (entering Provincial Park)26.9 kmHannah Lake Campsite26.6 kmRanger Station Campsite29.5 kmNahatlatch Lake Campsite31 kmSalmon Beach Campsite31.1 kmRough Boat Launch Area33.5 kmSquakum Creek Campsite35 kmHigh Bench Lookout40.2 kmRoad to river and old trapper’s cabin and REO rafting take out41.1 kmContinue Straight42 kmFRBC Road, salmon spawning area, new gate42.4 kmContinue Straight42.5 kmBridge over Tachewana Creek43 kmRoad hard left down to creek, another road possible to river44 kmContinue Straight46.2 kmContinue Straight48.8 kmGated bridge over Nahatlatch River, trail to Mehatl Creek falls from log sort49.2 kmAfter crossing the bridge, turn left to get to Grizzly Falls (2 km to falls)Activities
- 6998:Hiking There are no designated hiking trails within this park. Visitors have the opportunity to hike in the area surrounding the park, but should do so with caution.
- 6998:Canoeing Kayaking and canoeing opportunities are available on all lakes and from the west end of the park on the Nahatlatch River to Nahatlatch Lake. It is not advisable to canoe on the river below Frances Lake.
- 6998:Swimming The lakes are very cold but provide opportunities to swim. The lake bottom is usually rocky with small areas of sand. During high water, until mid August, there are little or no beach areas. Visitors should use caution when swimming near the outflow of the lakes. Swim at your own risk.
- 6998:Fishing The area is not known for successful trout fishing. The lakes do not seem to have any hot spots. One area of Nahatlatch Lake where some visitors have had limited success is in the area underneath the rock lookout.
- 6998:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 6998:Cycling Cycling is available on the logging roads in the area but visitors should use extreme caution due to the narrowness of the road and traffic from logging trucks. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Nahatlatch Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 6998:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
Facilities
- 6998:Pit or flush toilets Each designated campground has one pit toilet. Swakum has two pit toilets.
- 6998:Boat launch There is a small rustic boat launch next to the Salmon Beach campground. The launch has a dirt surface and can accommodate a small motor boat or car top boat. Power boats are rarely used on these lakes.
- 6998:Campfires Firewood can be purchased from the park operator or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared by bringing a portable stove for cooking. Due to high winds funneling through this valley, visitors are requested to keep their campfires small.To preserve vegetation and ground cover, it is prohibited to gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
49.97611, -121.79103 · North Fraser
